San Bernardino resident Aaron Treadway knows it’s a dangerous game that can quickly escalate. He’s noticied the graffiti problem is closely tied with gangs in his neighborhood.

“Somebody can write something and then you cross their name out or their gang and then they want to come back and then before you know it, it turns to violence,” Treadway said. “It goes from these walls to violence.”

San Bernadino County District Attorney Mike Ramos said gang members have also been known to put out hits on so-called snitches.

“These folks are local terrorists, and that’s what they do, they run around in groups, they shoot at each other and innocent victims are being killed,” Ramos said.

Graffiti that is valued under $400 worth of damage is punishable by up to one year in county jail, and/or a $1,000 fine. Graffiti damage over $400 can be punishable as a felony by up to three years in county prison and/or a $10,000 fine.